Variable-Stiffness Bearing Support Structure for Vibration Loads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine bearing support structures face challenges in achieving optimal stiffness to manage operational loads and vibrations efficiently, often requiring time-consuming redesigns or modifications to meet varying operational parameters.
Innovation Solution
A method to manufacture and adjust the bearing support structure by varying the distance between attachment points and struts, allowing for customizable stiffness through a movable bearing support that can be secured at specific positions relative to the casing assembly, optimizing load transmission and minimizing vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the bearing support structure uses a fixed rigid connection between bearing support and casing, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to different stiffness requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing support is made movable relative to the casing assembly along the central axis, allowing the distance between attachment points and struts to be adjusted. This dynamic positioning capability enables customization of stiffness while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement rather than fixed rigid connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffness of the bearing support structure is adjusted by changing the positional parameter (distance) between the bearing support attachment points and the struts. By varying this distance, different stiffness characteristics are achieved without compromising the fundamental structural strength of the connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bearing support structure is redesigned to meet varying stiffness requirements, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing support structure is segmented into movable and fixed components, with the bearing support able to independently position itself relative to the casing assembly. This segmentation allows stiffness adjustment through simple repositioning rather than complete redesign, significantly reducing manufacturing time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable bearing support enables post-manufacturing adjustment of stiffness characteristics without requiring redesign or retooling. The structure accommodates varying stiffness requirements through positional adjustment rather than creating multiple fixed designs, saving substantial manufacturing time.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the distance between attachment points and struts is increased, then stiffness is reduced for vibration management, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable bearing support allows dynamic optimization of the distance between attachment points and struts based on operational conditions. The structure can be positioned to achieve optimal vibration management while maintaining adequate structural strength, rather than being fixed at a suboptimal distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance parameter between attachment points and struts is varied within an optimal range to achieve the desired balance between vibration reduction and structural strength. This controlled parameter change allows tuning of stiffness without compromising fundamental structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a bearing support structure of a gas turbine engine, includes: obtaining a bearing support and a casing assembly, the casing assembly having first and second casings extending around a central axis and connected together via struts, the bearing support securable to the first casing at attachment points; selecting a distance between the attachment points of the bearing support and the struts as a function of a required stiffness of the bearing support structure; and adjusting a position of the bearing support relative to the casing assembly until the attachment points are distanced from the struts by the selected distance and joining the bearing support to the casing assembly at the attachment points.